The International Refugee Rights Initiative
To enhance the protection of rights of the displaced worldwide by the provision of advice and assistance on the application of international law, the conducting of research on the interpretation and application of international law and the training of those working with the displaced and other activities, as appropriate.
The International Refugee Rights Initiative at a glance
In short: The International Refugee Rights Initiative gave $8K across 1 grant in 2021 (avg $8K), mostly in District of Columbia. Source: 2021 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2021)
- $7,500
- -74.3% vs 2020
- Grants made (2021)
- 1
- +0.0% vs 2020
- Average grant
- $7,500
- -74.3% vs 2020
- Median grant
- $7,500
- Total assets
- $340,793
- -60.5% vs 2020
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (100% of itemized 2021 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2021 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2021; updated September 2026.
Who The International Refugee Rights Initiative funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top recipient in 2021
The largest 2021 recipient was National Endowment for Democracy ($8K).
Grant Size Distribution
2 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 2 grants of 2 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of the 2021 grant dollars on its one itemized grant.
States
Cities
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2021, annual grant giving ranged from $8K (2021) to $29K (2020). In 2021 it made 1 grant totaling $8K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Endowment for Democracy Washington, DC | Strengthening Democratic Voices of the Youth | $7,500 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $340,793 | $167,915 | $689,708 | $7,500 | 1 | $129 |
| 2020 | $863,103 | $724,854 | $529,503 | $29,167 | 1 | $424 |
| 2019 | $710,207 | $393,465 | $1,196,649 | — | — | $1,581 |
About The International Refugee Rights Initiative
Based on IRS filings
The International Refugee Rights Initiative is a public charity focused on Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy, based in New York, NY. IRS filing data is available from 2019 through 2021. As of 2021, the organization holds $341K in total assets. In 2021, it awarded 1 grant totaling $8K. Net investment income was $129.
Focus Areas
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The International Refugee Rights Initiative is led by Chidi Odinkalu, Board Chair on every filing since 2019; 1 of 4 officers listed in 2021 is compensated.
Officers on the 2021 filing
Chidi Odinkalu
Board Chair
On filings since 2019
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Achieng Akena
Exectutive Director
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$53K (2019) → $76K (2021)
Dismas Nkunda
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Salima Namusobya
Board Vice Chair
On filings since 2019
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Olivia Bueno (2019) — Executive Director & Then Us Liaison
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2021. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2021 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2021 filing was $76K, to Achieng Akena (Exectutive Director).
Frequently asked questions about The International Refugee Rights Initiative
How much does The International Refugee Rights Initiative give each year?
The International Refugee Rights Initiative gave $8K across 1 grant in 2021, according to its 2021 IRS Form 990. In 2020 it gave $29K across 1 grant.
How large is The International Refugee Rights Initiative?
The International Refugee Rights Initiative reported $341K in total assets on its 2021 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $168K.
What is The International Refugee Rights Initiative?
The International Refugee Rights Initiative is a public charity focused on Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy, based in New York, NY. It holds $341K in total assets as of 2021.
Where does The International Refugee Rights Initiative operate?
The International Refugee Rights Initiative has awarded grants in District of Columbia.
What is The International Refugee Rights Initiative's EIN?
The International Refugee Rights Initiative's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-1408831. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2021.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.
Data update history
(4)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS October 14, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 31, 2022)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2021
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Browse active grant opportunities in The International Refugee Rights Initiative's focus areas in our free grants database
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